Mercedes-AMG GLA 35, GLB 35 Gets A Panamericana Grille On A New Model

If you’ve looked at an AMG model lately, you may have noticed a new grille placed within the noses of a few: the Panamericana grille. The grille features vertical slats and a free-floating Mercedes star. This replaces the previous grille, where the star is anchored upon a horizontal bar. The Panamericana grille dresses up the likes the GLA 35 and GLB 35, and was introduced with the AMG GT R in 2017.
 

However, not every AMG wears the Panamericana grille. Yet. CarBuzz noticed two such models lacking the new grille, the A 35 and CLA 35. Thus, they asked Mercedes-AMG about this missing design feature.
 
“The AMG-specific vertical slat grille is rolling out to most of our AMG models,” said Ashley Gillam, Mercedes-Benz product and tech specialist, “but that can be dependent on the timing of refreshes in model lifecycles, new model release timeframe, etc. For example, the A35 and CLA 35 debuted as MY20 vehicles, before the GLB 35, which debuted as a MY21 vehicle.”
 

Aside from the A 35 and CLA 35, the CLS 53 Coupe and C 43 range lack the Panamericana grille. Of the four, only the C 43 will never receive it, as it will be discontinued. A new C 53 will take its place, per CarBuzz, spy photos hinting it will have the Panamericana grille.
 
As for when the A 35, CLA 35 and CLS 53 will get their Panamericana on, it likely won’t be for a while yet. Though the 2022 CLS 53 will likely have the new grille when it arrives in showrooms, the A 35 and CLA 35 may or may not receive the grille at the same time. CarBuzz adds the 2022 CLS 53 may be the last of its kind, as it and the GT 4-Door may all be replaced by a single EV vehicle.
 
And of course, as we reported before, the GT R itself is leaving the road behind for the 2021 model year. The Panamericana grille it brought will live on through the rest of the AMG lineup, though. Perhaps the upcoming new GT will wear it. Then again, it could also introduce a new grille to stand out from the rest.